Authorities reported that thieves stole around 100,000 eggs from a distribution trailer in Greencastle, Pennsylvania, in an incident that occurred at 8:40 p.m. at Pete and Gerry’s Organics LLC. The stolen eggs are valued at approximately $40,000.
While police have not provided further details, an investigation is underway. In a statement, the egg supplier confirmed awareness of the theft in Franklin County and stated that it is “actively working” with law enforcement to investigate the matter.
“We take this situation seriously and are committed to resolving it swiftly. Due to the ongoing investigation, we are unable to provide additional comments at this time,” the supplier added.
Egg Shortage Grips the US
The theft comes amid a nationwide egg shortage, which has driven up prices across the country. According to a Bloomberg report, egg prices have surged to $7 per carton, leaving restaurants and consumers facing the brunt of the crisis.
The soaring prices are primarily due to a widespread bird flu outbreak that has devastated the nation’s poultry farms, killing millions of chickens. A dozen large eggs in the Midwest now cost an average of $7.08 wholesale—about seven times higher than two years ago, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
Since the outbreak began in 2022, approximately 104 million egg-laying hens have been lost, with 29 million of those deaths occurring since October, according to United Egg Producers. The shortage has resulted in empty grocery store shelves, even as consumer demand for eggs continues to rise.
Additionally, medications like Ozempic, which are used to treat diabetes but have gained popularity for weight loss, have further increased demand for eggs as a high-protein food, said Amanda Oren, Vice President of Industry Strategy for North America at RELEX Solutions.
In New York City, some stores are selling a carton of cage-free eggs for as much as $11.99, with Whole Foods Inc. imposing a three-carton purchase limit at certain locations to manage the high demand.
